Watching the sky turn misty and gray,
my thoughts wandering to worlds away;
Where the indigo sky streaked with sunlight,
sends me back to my years of eternal daylight.

As a child of summer the world was mine,
the ocean swirled with colors divine;
The soft, warm sand touched my soul,
and the seagulls perched on the rocks would call.

Swept into a daydream that filled my heart,
with family and friends who have since departed;
My parents packed sandwiches for us to munch,
and the chocolate bars--how much fun to crunch !

Wading in the foam at the edge of the shore,
was bliss to me right down to the core;
Now dad and mom are shadows and clouds,
and my friends have moved away from town.

But I'll never forget those days of delight,
which ended in a sunset so colorful and bright;
The rain now caresses the old maple tree,
as my daydreams are floating out to the sea.

The days are shorter but eerily bright,
perhaps because of one Silent Night--
When the Lord was delivered upon this earth,
with kings and shepherds gathered at His birth.

'Tis the season for loving one's neighbor well,
signs of beauty magically casting their spell--
With family and food at the top of our list,
and lovers under mistletoe about to be kissed !

The snow piled high while winds blow free,
we soon carry home our Christmas tree--
All green and fresh it's welcomed within,
decorating each branch wearing hearty grins.

And oh, how we enjoy the lake,
the ice glazed over for us to make--
Our figure eights with our Christmas skates,
which Jolly St. Nick left for us to take !

Yes, these are the many blessings of,
the month of December we've always loved--
While Christ holds our hands we kneel with thanks,
as His star glistens above the snowy banks.

The instant moment creeps upon,
a solid boundary yet unknown;
Complete with errant loss of time,
this final destination's climb.

And floating upward in the air,
this monument to style and flair;
Recedes into a crowded space,
where every sound of life's erased.

In universal theme of doubt,
connecting pathways north and south;
Each galaxy provides the cost,
which interrupts all trains of thought.

And rising with a powerful roar,
from lightning's speed defiant core;
One precious whirl of thought remains,
invisible now in nature's game.

Slowly the wheel turns 'round and 'round,
defying every superstitious claim;
That only fear surely lies ahead,
as wicked sorcerers have proclaimed.

In a conspiracy of reckless gallantry,
the people appearing restless and tired;
Like the embers flying through the sky,
from a raging, roaring and ceaseless fire.

The clock tells time but no one cares,
to know if the hour has finally come;
When spirits' light or devil's darkness,
will erase the quandaries within their homes.

They sob and pray till their voices falter,
with hopelessness from the perilous days;
Until an angel appears singing out with love,
and a promise their souls will soon be saved.

Feeling worthy now--their emotions quite shaken,
from discovering faith within the realm;
For only charity's gifts can conquer hate,
and horrors dissolve through peace and calm.

Often the world is turned upside down,
in a whirl of despair and desolation;
Hurt and pain seem to be the story,
of those suffering from life's conflagration.

Like the open wounds of war and conflict,
desolation prevails in a raging horror;
Heartfelt prayers reach out to our Lord,
when destructive forces move on to tomorrows.

If only we could love one another,
and see the world as it's supposed to be;
Hate never solves the problems we face,
everyone simply longs to be free.

A lingering sense of hopelessness,
carries on throughout the darkened days;
And through the night we all hold hands,
crying out in passionate longing as we pray.

Whenever paths turn somber and gray,
we'll seek to find a better way;
To share confused and fraught emotions,
and show our hearts with fond devotion.

At times we've been stuck in reverse,
crawling backward through the universe;
Yet moments come that seem quite clear,
despite waning hours which disappear.

The detour sign presents a chance,
to reckon with the devil's dance;
It lights our journey toward finer things,
with hope that blossoms like the Spring.

Now we can stand in all our glory,
to tell the world about our story;
Combining words that can relate,
the spiritual flow of human grace.

In contrast with reality---thoughts fade to black,
in hidden corners of the mind which sanity lacks;
Away from fondest hope to salvage memories,
deep within the screaming cries 'til eternity.

Yet forces pull each vision towards the colors,
that brighten up the world in mystic wonder;
And with that glorious rainbow shining full,
the dark relents aligned with nature's rule.

Greens and blues bring peace to heavy hearts,
brimming with softened hues that set apart;
Dissolving pinks and yellows in their wake,
as kaleidoscopes release in constant quake.

Like a painter's brush creates an artful scene,
which spreads its magic wand in luscious gleam;
A mosaic filled with lightness soon remains,
to rid each desperate mind of blackened reign.

My heart just wants to cry,
on hearing lamentations from distant shores;
Gossamer angels weep and sigh,
waiting for the magical cure.

Sleep eludes the burning masses,
turbulence incessantly rises and swirls;
Brighter horizons must be uncovered;
before the destruction of our hopes fulfilled.

Just imagine we're all floating upward,
above and across the sage-green sea;
Hoping to touch the vulnerable and weak,
then watching them blossom--heavenly !

We'll see the dividing walls tumble down,
and for those who've wept and suffered before;
Awaken to a life refreshed and renewed,
with delicate souls hovering near the shore.

With a burst of Spring the mind shall wander,
to fields of dawn and skies of light;
Never a thought remains for sadness,
when sunshine reaches everyone in sight.

Perhaps it's time to set the story straight,
from emerald pastures of the soul;
And glossy winds of honeyed fragrance,
with feelings of love which make us whole.

Bleak days have quickly vanished overnight,
replaced with hopes and dreams fulfilled;
While each barren space within our hearts,
becomes a golden vessel of spiritual renewal.

So do not despair, my friends, for heaven's here,
in the awakening of bees, buds, and birds;
And nothing ever fails in glorious Spring,
as sounds linger softly without the words.

Torrential rains fill river's mighty force,
enlarging spacious depths unto the sea;
With roaring motion's flow enveloping,
the reeling sense of its enormity.

Blowing winds now following the pace,
growing colder in a whirling sequence;
The stealthy waters climb up the hills,
bringing each tree its required sustenance.

Empty and alone the day has been,
blackened clouds erupting full;
Attempting to ward off lightning's wrath,
we hide from nature's awesome pull.

Then we feel ourselves floating forward,
as winds subside with our fears abating;
And the ocean's waves now cleansed and clear,
honoring the infinity of God's creations.

My dear friend, the chaos is finally diminished,
the frantic hours of pain and conflict have finished;
Awaken to the easy, open breath of life today,
knowing the darkest clouds have now blown away.

You've suffered silently for so long this year,
never asking anyone else to quell your fears;
The urgent need to be respected and accepted,
you kept within your heart, afraid to be rejected.

But those scary moments that corrupted your mind,
were coming from a world of a much different kind;
The messages you received were jumbled and cruel,
they brought you far away from the 'golden rule'.

Now there's truly peace within these garden walls,
as if a mystical aura has enveloped and enthralled;
Your quiet prayers toward heaven were received;
so dry your tears, your soulful words brought sweet relief.

Totally shrouded in stark memories,
within the walls of echoing voices;
My bones are chilled and frozen now,
while remembering painful choices.

The sunlight fading into dusk,
with purple streaks of a bitter sky;
As one final ray of amber light,
gently streams into my tearful eyes.

The porch where love had been professed,
lay paint-chipped and desolate in gray;
My words are stuck inside my throat,
I struggle but there's no more to say.

And while the Autumn breezes blow,
through the bronzed and wistful trees;
Their sighs will carry our old sweet song,
among the damp and trembling leaves.

A child of autumn lives next door,
her face glows with amber blush;
Her lovely voice floats through the air,
so soft and tender is her touch.

Just sweet sixteen with freckles,
and bright ribbons in her hair;
With a flouncy skirt of gingham,
as she prances across the square.

She gathers leaves in woven baskets,
then brings them back to me;
This gesture always warms my heart,,
as we share some cinnamon tea !

Her smile is quite infectious,
as she munches on a scone;
But soon she rushes off to see,
her mama and papa at home.

Endearing child of autumn,
forever close in my aging heart;
Your life holds years of happiness,
when from this earthly world I part.

Engulfed within the swirling black of night,
I searched for answers to my horrid plight;
The hours seemed too long to be erased,
and minutes flew like shadows in the chase.

To rectify the madness of my torment,
I prayed to God to hear my soul's lament;
And turn it into something real and true,
that I would understand in common view.

I wondered if the haunting wraiths began,
to catch my heart alone in lurid plan;
And when the smoke enveloped me in waves,
the loneliness seemed like an earthly grave.

While questioning if Heaven could arouse,
a complex mission toward my holy vows;
I looked and saw a light which rose above,
and felt the angels shower me with love.

While feeling so engulfed in spirits' essence,
no longer fearing evil's woeful presence;
With deep gratitude I cried into the night,
till dawn arrived in sweet and soft sunlight.

Engulfed within the swirling black of night,
I searched for answers to my horrid plight;
The hours seemed too long to be erased,
and minutes flew as shadows in the chase.

To rectify the madness of my torment,
I prayed for God to hear my soul's lament;
And turn it into something real and true,
which I could understand in common view.

I wondered if the haunting wraiths began,
to catch my heart alone in lurid plan;
And when the smoke enveloped me in waves,
the bleakness seemed just like an earthly grave.

While questioning if Heaven could arouse,
a complex mission toward my holy vows;
I looked and saw a light which rose above,
and felt the angels shower me with love.

I can see tiny flashes before my eyes,
why in the world do they follow me ?
Many times my mind has been shattered,
by all the ghosts who won't set me free.

The colors which should light my days,
dissipate among the wavering tides;
And sunshine never leaves its place,
to cast its rays of hope by my side.

As a child I was sent far from my town,
yet never knowing exactly why;
I can't help but think it's my own fault,
and for years I was passed on by.

Those tiny flashes of warning--like stars,
bring shelter through torrential showers;
As if heaven sent them just to touch,
my desperate nights--my darkest hours.

But looking at their twinkling light,
they now appear as honored friends;
And the bluest sky opens up its heart,
sending sweet angels to make amends.

The haunted hours become subdued,
as God's angels taught me to pray;
And tears of relief ran down my cheeks,
as I learned how to face another day

Assured and calm the summer rose,
along the bold and steamy land;
With burning rays of sunlight's heat,
the sultry nights of love abandoned.

Sweat poured from my face easily,
as I sat on the wrap-around porch;
With a large tumbler of mint iced tea,
refreshing briefly as the night air scorched.

It was then I recalled the sweet sea air,
where I could run down to the shore;
And with a shout I'd dive into waves,
that cooled my fever to the core.

My mind wandered to that very place,
which brought me peaceful hours;
I'd lie on the sandy beach alone,
with no worries or cares to ponder.

But reality has a way of catching up,
to imagined dreams of heavenly tides;
Taking one last sip of the now warmed tea,
the restless night brought me inside.

And there my lonely bed lay in wait,
no one around to soothe my brow;
The heat brought on a sobering sleep,
escaping visions from the here and now.

Among the swaying elm trees,
are whispers from on high;
The words are slightly garbled,
but their sweetness flows in sighs.

Each lilac touches wayward hearts,
with deepest blue and velvet glow;
The daffodils sprout yellow wings,
reaching out to join the show.

And hummingbirds sip honeyed wine,
from the feeder hanging nearby;
We watch as the finches gather,
shining golden in the clearest sky.

The lawn seems warm and supple,
as breezes blow in forest green;
Inviting us all to lie and view,
this heavenly springtime scene.

But then the sun retreats behind,
a massive wealth of clouds;
Refreshing rain falls in our midst,
cool and soft as seaside's sounds.

Enchantment is with us every day,
its essence stirs yet calms our souls;
As Gods displays His natural wonders,
life-long gifts that will never grow old.

Honesty fuels the learning process,
opening doors and windows wide;
At its core there's pure emotion,
within a sphere where thoughts abide.

With solid emphasis on mass appeal,
to follow paths of common knowledge;
The essence stirs in forward movement,
carrying ideals over life's lofty bridge.

The beating heart can tell the tale,
of past betrayals which easily lie;
Within the shadows of destiny's will,
wherever false prophets lived and died.

Each spirit will embrace a noble cause,
unleashing righteousness from divinity;
As ultimate truths are raised on high,
pressing onward to cosmic infinity.

The wide umbrella of graceful trees,
covers us well with its lustrous breeze;
When temperatures have quickly soared,
each oak and willow are greatly adored.

Each day a blistering sun arrives,
with alabaster clouds that gently rise;
In puffy swirls which skip on by,
and lovingly adorn the heavenly skies.

We swim in the pool that nature provides,
by a lakeside cabin where we can hide;
And seek some shelter from sudden rains,
which attempt to drown our summer dreams.

Kicking back we watch the grey dusk fall,
on huge cotton blankets embracing us all;
As evening shade turns into velvet night,
the angelic stars creep into our sight.

Behold ! The majesty of changing hours,
the heat from daylight's surging powers;
Now cool and calm in serene delight,
with peaceful sleep under soft moonlight.

With notions purely fixed in time,
the antidote to love's own rhyme;
Fulfills each fear of future loss,
divulging depths from wayward cost.

In languid hours of disarray,
a wounded heart has gone astray;
Pretending life has drawn the cord,
away from meaningful accord.

Eventually the souls resign,
to losing faith in thoughts aligned;
With all the mystery at play,
then seek to find another way.

But in the core of every source,
hope still recalls its mighty force;
And when all hearts meet in one place,
their goal is reached...forever graced.

Reaching out and calling your name,
each moment without you is such a shame;
In my 'heart of hearts' the memories arise,
As I look around with tear-filled eyes.

The moments past when romance glowed,
the kiss, the touch, the feelings showed;
My mind is spinning throughout the night,
as I dream of holding you again so tight.

Why it all ended, such a mystery !
we had so much, the sun and the sea;
Your eyes were bluer than the skies,
but you left me alone against the tides.

Love is eternal, so the prophets say,
with spirits flying like children at play;
Yet often when the nights are long,
I still can hear our mellifluous song.

The loathsome devil living in Hades fire,
casually stoking the embers of wanton desire;
His wanderlust soon carries him away,
to mere mortals weakened and gone astray.

Quite vulnerable as humans oft' can be,
he steers through the smoke of invisibility;
Taking the shape of any common being,
he strikes at gentle hearts without our seeing,

A young lady in distress calls out in pain,
as a hazy shadow looms above the scene;
Her anguished cries are desperate to be heard,
by some kind soul who'll stop and heed her words.

But Satan's shadow transforms into a beast,
a monstrous sign of evil now released;
Roaring viciously and baring gnarled teeth,
approaching the helpless woman mired in grief.

Yet suddenly a sign of peace stirs within,
this beastly savage borne of devil's kin;
A flock of doves released from heaven's bower,
reveals this masked avenger as a coward.

A glorious host of spirits floated downward,
to heal our lady's pain with saintly powers;
In quick retreat the devil had skulked away,
his fiery eyes diminished at the dawn of day.

All around the world we go,
following a trail of fallen snow;
Keeping within a boundary built,
like a fortress of stark aging stone.

When will we discover peace,
a place to rest our weary bones ?
Where is the proper pathway to,
that place we've never known ?

Such worry brings us to our knees,
with ruminating thoughts of fear and disease;
Among the ruins we bravely climb,
trying to keep our hearts aligned.

Then in one another's eyes we find,
that strength, the Will of humankind;
And with the force of the rising sun,
we finally reach where we belong.

As evening falls about the town,
and silhouettes of trees abound;
A dusky haze surrounds the moon,
as she lifts herself in rhythmic tune.

The sun has faded from our sight,
while making room for sky's delight;
As shadows dancing 'round in play,
dismiss the vivid signs of day.

Lying low on the dampened green,
the crimson sky emits a gleam;
With soft and tender strains of light,
that glow so gently through the night.

Give welcome to the mystic face,
of shining stars and planets' grace;
As the easy flow of nature's way,
now captivates in magical array.

As I glance around my corner room,
a place that I call home;
The walls glistening in pearly white,
bringing peace when I'm alone.

My writing desk of hearty oak,
is carved quite intricately;
With books and papers piled high,
all arranged meticulously.

A tiny table sits by the window,
and placed there with supreme delicacy;
Is my collection of porcelain flowers,
imbuing a sense of serenity.

A Queen Anne's chair near the fireplace,
gleams in a vivid, azure blue;
With a comfy quilt of rosy pink,
lay waiting for me at noon.

The flowing diaphanous curtains,
allow rays of pale sunlight today;
While my tea-tray tempts my appetite,
for luscious tastes of scones and Earl Grey.

I could not ask for any finer things,
to set my eager mind at rest;
What a lovely way to face the world,
with a life that's genuinely blessed !

Vandals overwhelm with beastly intention,
love is lost now--no more connection;
The world is spinning out of control,
and hearts are broken inside our souls.

Captivated by earth's magnetic power,
the vandals grasping hold devours;
Our reasons for hoping and praying still,
despite the fact we could all be killed.

Close to our living quarters they roam,
like demons haunting, throwing stones;
Nowhere else can innocent folks retreat,
slipping slowly, cautiously down the street.

If humankind can muster its will,
to violate the lurking evil's skill;
Then vandals won't stand a chance today,
(but tomorrow is surely another day).

Tiny ripples in ocean's cerulean mist,
rolling under a sky of amethyst;
The biting air permeates the night,
with an icy haze from pale moonlight.

And on the sand a bonfire's heat,
wraps 'round our bodies like a sheet;
The whispering voice of seaside bliss,
touches our lips with a gentle kiss.

While dampness rises in the air,
we huddle together without a care;
Our bright wool scarves fly in the breeze,
as a sailboat appears upon the seas.

Yet in the twilight stars' array,
the schooner seems to float away;
Perhaps our eyes have been deceived,
by winter's mystic scene perceived.

A smile caresses your windburned face,
in the salty air we both could taste;
With one last glance at February's sky,
we lovingly embrace and wave goodbye.

They burn intensely in the blackest night,
from bubbling cauldrons of complexities;
Soaring openly into the cavernous skies,
and freely energize their raw abilities.

Destructive through their raging flames,
so far beyond mere mortals' comprehension;
Compounding aching wounds of hearts' lament,
in scorching psalms that bear each raw intention.

Among the massive canopy of fading stars,
entangled and dispersed by sparks of flight;
Soon connect along a wildfire's fearsome pace,
and through the paths of heaven's burnished light.

So fierce a power now set upon release,
The smoking torches quickly gather force;
creating empty spaces scorned and charred,
In history's relenting chase from sins' remorse.

The wind calls out to the snowbirds,
who are searching to settle in;
And leaves of burnt umber flirting,
along with autumn's whims.

Crimson skies above us now,
swirling with velvet clouds;
Cardinals fly to nest in the trees,
chirping songs of love out loud.

Fiery and warm in the woodlands,
sitting upon an orange pumpkin;
Toasting marshmallows with my friends,
and scary Halloween sights will begin !  

This must be a sign of October,
the most glorious month of all;
Though mellow moods may soon set in,
its beauty reigns throughout the Fall.

The painful circulation of deadly schemes,
its catapulting crime that denies dreams;
Lost from view when vaporized and shattered,
leaving merely shards of seashells scattered.

Left alone to contemplate the surging tides,
while the sea envelops mindfulness of pride;
Studying each mood that swings in random,
awakening as the beach's fearsome phantom.

In vacant eyes' disquieting adventures,
caressing lengths of dusky evening's pleasures;
The circle bound to saintly words discovers,
a swirling of the ocean's waves recovered.

Alas, no hope to gather heaven's grace,
to set upon this hapless time and place;
Futility embarks with countless measures,
as crazed and cowered spirits cast off treasures.

Then basking in the light of all that's chosen,
the movement of the waters tightly frozen;
Roundabout on high the gulls proclaim,
that life begins and ends without disdain.

It's often said that hope is blind,
and fear is the willing force;
More tender than the grass of Spring,
our souls have felt remorse.

We've walked along these river banks,
perfecting just what to say;
And in the solemnest of words,
questions rise up day by day.

The cold and damp have given pause,
to stop the wayward thoughts;
Now our minds reflect a wanting of,
life's lessons to be taught.

It's a mystical world where we reside,
cherished poets speak of grace;
As stars dance through the Milky Way,
and snow falls down like lace.

Yet here on earth our problems seem,
much too difficult to discern;
The river's frozen hard as stone,
as we quiver, crash, and burn.

The answers lie among the clouds,
in natural elements of being;
There's solace in our beating hearts,
as we discover what's worth seeing.

A million folks have come and gone,
walking the river's narrow path;
When finally a mere glimpse of sky,
dissolves the enduring wrath.

Now hope that is no longer blind,
and faith beyond its measure;
Will ward off the destined downfall,
with answers which can be treasured.

When I talk to the flowers and the trees,
I whisper gently so no else hears me;
It's my very own language that I share,
with the gifts from Nature, alive and aware.

Someday I'll follow a lonely bird's flight,
from the day's hours to the dark of night;
I'll sing his sweet song along with my own,
and cuddle softly within his nesting home.

An exquisite trip I'll take through life,
devoid of anger, frustration, stress, and strife;
I can be anyone, or anything I'd like to be,
perhaps morphing into a branch of a maple tree.

Yes, I'll fly away to parts known and unknown,
I'll leave my fears with the fairies and gnomes;
And in the crystalline dawn of early morning,
there'll be my secret thoughts, forever churning.

Look to the heavenly skies above,
and follow your heart to the world of love;
Where night and day are always sure,
to lighten our moods in miraculous cure.

Follow the dreams of your desire,
don't let strangers put out the fire;
Family and friends will stay by your side,
while you enjoy this emotional ride.

Elegant movements among the clouds,
speak to the folks that gather in crowds;
To share the time we have on this earth,
each loving hour of bliss and mirth.

And when you're old and memory dims,
your mind will be filled right to the brim;
With glances of years that meant so much,
easily reached again through a sacred touch.

Saying goodbye to all you've known,
can cause frightening moments--overblown;
But grab onto those memories that rise within,
and follow the pathway--you're bound to win !

As I felt the kisses of the flowers,
your sweet temptations urging me on;
With the heavenly scent of your auburn hair,
stirring my heart to the promised land.

With one embrace the air was fragrant,
the sand was fresh and soft with rain;
You held me close to your aching body,
as joy followed passion's exquisite pain.

Somehow it all seems as in a haze,
of sharing languid summers by the bay;
When eager cries grew soft and mellow,
then heartsick--I learned you'd gone away.

When we're young we can feel intensely,
the burning desires within our souls;
Reaching out--if only to faintly touch,
a chance to shed the fear of becoming whole.

Foolishly we can forget ourselves,
and let life's notions float high above;
Experiencing romance for the first time,
with emotions lifted up toward truest love.

Yet recalling all those youthful memories,
not changing one brief moment in time;
Believing a foolish heart is better than none,
we discovered how the lyrics finally rhymed.

For all the crazy mixed-up days,
that sowed the seeds of future ways;
Gratefully we've said our last goodbyes,
to worn out notions before our eyes.

From those we've learned our very best,
and conquered fears put to the test;
Discovering paths that we should follow,
while reaching out for better tomorrows.

Lying in bed with rambling thoughts,
of ideals that bless our hopeful hearts;
Within our souls we sought to be,
as strong and solid as a maple tree.

And all the stars aligned in style,
urging us through the holy aisle;
Our spirits soared beyond the hills,
as tranquility settled within our wills.

For those who never felt the power,
of encouragement from hour to hour;
Regret is sadly among your fate,
for not trusting the outcome of life's debate.

The season is merry and bright,
we watch on a silent night;
As children wait for treasures,
they'll cherish heartily forever.

As Santa rides his sleigh,
from a million miles away,
He's happy to be the one,
to deliver such Christmas fun.

While snow falls like confetti,
parents everywhere are ready;
For children's early rising,
with their laughter NOT surprising.

Hot cocoa made by mother,
sharing goodies like no other;
And lying underneath the tree,
Santa's gifts bring so much glee.

Lost forever in a trance,
of love that seems to dance;
The spirit of Christ is here,
we celebrate from year to year !

Here we are in the NOW of life,
waiting for something to change;
Suffering through channels of hurt,
hoping for days to be rearranged.

Forever bonded our souls together,
despite the many trials we've faced;
Searching for an answer to arrive,
before our fragile lives are erased.

Coveting the silence of our world,
while shadows haunt the sphere;
With sounds of echoes from the past,
we forge ahead despite our fears.

No matter the cost of recovery,
while maintaining a level of sanity;
We sense a heartbeat's message to,
prepare for the soul of humanity.

Fragile as a feather or dew-kissed leaf,
the heart can be torn like tattered cloth;
A pearled wedding gown tossed aside,
to be flung away and chewed by moths.

The perils of commitment's mysteries,
with feelings warped into wavering lines;
While damaged goods offend as solace,
but uphold the remnants of intended crimes.

And to the 'maiden fair' our sorrows go,
who waited many years for 'perfect love';
Her pale demeanor in loss portrayed,
as torment from the disavowed betrothed.

Into her bed our gentle lady remains,
while friends wonder if she can ever be;
Released from this false and grim betrayal,
or eternally held captive in solemn grief.

My heart was broken---then frozen this year,
few words of solace did I hear;
Loneliness engulfed my mere existence,
feeling lost and trapped into resistance.

Releasing all my energy was not in play,
feeling sorrowful and angry every day;
Alone with thoughts of the distant past,
as tears ran slowly down my wounded face.

Then a new love suddenly came to me,
relieving all the pain which conquered me;
My heart gladly mended into place,
as serenity blessed me with its grace.

Yes, you freed my soul to find love again,
you chipped away at the bonds of chains;
And smiling now with the misty dawn,
I feel comfort and safety in your arms.

Peering through the snow-laced windows,
the world awash in alabaster light;
A frosty sky chills this wintry afternoon,
as the North winds whip onward in flight.

Inside, the gurgling sound of my teapot,
lifts up my spirits toward warm renewal;
As icy shards form quickly from the roof,
and I grab the teacup sitting by my stool.

Wrapped heavily in my flannel blankets,
sipping slowly as I watch the matchstick trees;
Their limbs swathed in feathers of oyster white,
lean together with their branches dangling free.

How picturesque a scene from my own window,
reviving memories of how the seasons change;
Although I've neared the end of my life's journey,
this graceful portrait can never be rearranged.

Rising through the sweat of ancestors' fears,
innate suffering leaves me bound;
Despite the black and white of day,
I wearily search for uncommon sounds.

Resting my head upon wisdom's watch
sensing calamity from hollow chants;
As voices within my heart rage on,
curiously whining in rebellious rants.

No longer expecting insanity's game,
(it had possessed me throughout the years;)
The mere notion of reaching back in time,
seals untold tales still rallying near.

And whether candles mark the night,
my faded hope for resurrection;
Bequeaths whatever sails far away,
to enhance the moment's rejection.

With blind ambition tumbling 'round,
in the stark wilderness of the seas;
I say good-bye with a solemn pledge,
while disappearing from the deep abyss.

Sitting in the nearly faded sunlight,
feeling early summer's warmth--
As its mercurial rays bounce about,
then linger on the wicker chairs,
and soaring upward to the still and stalwart
birch trees--
an occasional breeze dropping leaves on the
red-brick yard below.

Above us glows the day's calm and azure
sky--
Where floating clouds paint a softened view,
and the sun continues to shine on the sea-green
waters of the pool--
Appearing like dancing diamonds.

My arms and legs shift delicately--
to catch the rays of the 'golden god' of the Solstice.
With flushed cheeks I then observe the birds,
nestling among the trees,
preparing for the season--their voices singing
through the white-hot zephyrs.

The stage now set for a glorious afternoon,
as the children jump into the pleasant spring
of celadon waters--splashing, howling, screeching
with laughter--
Enjoying life, as it should be !

From gauzy skies of crimson in their sight,
the masses keen are lost in wistful night;
And while the whispered echoes float away,
their images denounce a world of gray.

As all the seasons colored with desire,
portray their holy visions thus admired;
Upon arrival in most paramount display,
the masses hope for peace to rule the day.

When glimpses of the ever-changing course,
connect with those in merciful resource;
All eyes perceive a vast and open place,
where heavens touch in whirls of cosmic grace.

While nature soothes the soul through fleeting time,
its manner guided by His hands sublime;
Refreshing all the thoughtful glimpses of,
this peace renewed by God's eternal love.

Denied the chance for last goodbyes,
I reached toward heaven's light;
An angel touched my crimson face,
to my wonder and delight.

Silently it stroked my hair,
and wiped away all tears;
With spirit's warm and gentle hands,
it washed away my fears.

While lying in this lonely bed,
with pain too much to bear;
God's Will be done in His own time,
the future seemed so clear.

The whitest robe of gossamer,
flowed 'round my tiny room;
It sparkled like a child's smile,
that rose above the gloom.

Somehow I knew the hour had come,
to rest my weary bones;
And with an angel by my side,
found the essence of my true home.

The train chugged slowly along the tracks,
in the southern heat of summer--
Sweat poured from the faces of each passenger,
as they rode together in slumber.

It was late at night but stifling hot,
and the humidity hung in the air--
Moist hands from all attending porters,
carried ice-buckets, each melting faster.

Traveling far away to Charleston now,
for the family's annual reunion--
meant braving the elements for which its known,
to reach that fun-filled communion.

With baskets of goodies laying at the children's feet,
while sleeping soundly in gingham skirts and cotton jackets--
There were fresh cheeses, fruits, pickles, and breads,
wrapped carefully in brown paper packets.

Mother held onto Father's outstretched arm,
donned in her white hat of straw and lace--
She glanced through the window at the sassafras trees,
which lined the trail in sumptuous grace.

Finally rolling toward an easy stop,
the train lurched slightly with determination--
A loud whistle blew as the conductor called,
"arrived safely at Charleston station " !

It was early dawn and the children awoke,
with wild anticipation and sunny smiles--
Soon Grandpa pulled up in a horse-drawn carriage,
which would carry them through town in style.

How lovely to see all the cousins and friends,
gathering near the old willow tree--
The giggles and laughter permeated the air,
as the picnic progressed with sweet tea.

And that was a place of magical times,
when Grandma bustled about with cheer--
The scent of hydrangeas floating through the air,
was something special to embrace each year.

Around us we see faces readily appear,
exuding sadness from their wide-eyed stares;
While trying to preserve the guise of dignity,
as they enter through death's passage unaware.

The day's been long and hours creep ahead,
to moments which extend into the night;
As hugs and handshakes fill the lonely room,
where last goodbyes extinguish every light.

We bow our heads and pray unto the Lord,
with tears that complement surrounding forces;
A covered casket sits in solemn space,
its meaning still withheld by tranquil voices.

While in the church the crying never ceases,
as unsettled folks line up to reach the altar;
Their outward sense of sorrow begs a nod,
from those of us whose loss remains unaltered.

Exhaustion peeks in early dawn's seclusion,
when all alone the mourners dry their tears;
And feast upon the treasured moments past,
which raise faint hopes that quiet inner fears.

Across the world of shattered dreams,
are rain-swept roads toward mountain streams;
Where rocky paths in glittering gold,
entice with wonders to behold.

While dissipating clouds relay,
their ghastly horrors in dismay;
The sun revives its rise to power,
in piercing rays of prickly showers.

Then surrendering to another source,
golden treasures cry out in remorse;
As trickling sounds that reach our ears,
cascade waterfalls of radiant tears.

Growing with hopes that fall between,
the dust that settles from its gleam;
Are broken shards of worthless schemes,
to revise each plan for wealth's regime.

When children ask adults questions,
our answers seem to descend;
Into a melting *** of confusion,
secretly hiding all truths and trends.

We want to set things straight for them,
through our wonders and visions of light;
But often our words spawn more questions,
while wrestling with demons in the night.

There are many complex issues in life,
enough so, that we'd rather forget;
How the universe is changing quickly,
and we cannot handle our own regrets.

It's simple just to close the door,
and fill our lives with faint illusions;
Yet somehow the sun comes up each day,
reflecting more than our delusions.

Children deserve our forthright honesty,
despite the apparent horrors and dread;
And we'll find a way to cushion the fall,
sewing their thoughts with golden threads.

The streaming light of evening filters,
through the gauzy curtains hung above;
My day was restless and filled with pain,
the emptiness inside replaced past love.

I watch the curtains flutter like eyelashes,
as rainbow colors streak against the walls;
An old armchair embraces my wounded body,
the doorbell rings as someone comes to call.

No movement from my solitude to answer,
the wretched sense of loss has overwhelmed;
My mind and heart with tortured loneliness,
no other man would enter this vacant realm.

This grieving happens when lost love erases,
the humanity and wholeness of our being;
I pour a drink with hopelessness and sadness,
without him there's just no one else worth seeing.

Gone astray again but given a second chance,
to show remorse and pledge his love once more;
But this time there'll be no waiting at the altar,
he'll never walk again through my front door.